Ford Explorer and Capri receive new LFP battery option

This update specifically refers to the smaller battery, which Ford designates as ‘Standard Range.’ Until now, that was the 52-kWh battery with NMC cells, which is also used in the VW ID.4, for example. Ford sourced the battery, along with the entire MEB drive platform for its two electric models built in Cologne, from Volkswagen. With the ‘Standard Range’ battery, the Explorer was previously available from a list price of 39,900 euros, while the Capri started at 42,400 euros in Germany.The list prices remain unchanged even after the battery update.

As an MEB customer, Ford now appears to be the first brand to receive the long-awaited introduction of LFP batteries into the Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB). “Ford today announced significant enhancements to its all-electric Explorer SUV and Capri sports crossover, introducing a new battery option and upgraded electric motor for the most affordable Standard Range models. These improvements are designed to offer customers on a smaller budget greater freedom to explore and enjoy their journeys, delivering increased range and flexibility alongside a boost in power and torque.”

It is explicitly confirmed that these are LFP cells, ‘allowing more frequent charging to maximum capacity’ —meaning that LFP cells can better handle regular charging to 100 per cent compared to NMC cells. Ford Europe does not specify the energy content of the new batteries, only the new WLTP ranges—where, of course, both the battery size and the efficiency of the new drive system play a role.

Ford Austria and later Ford Germany provided more concrete details in their announcements: the LFP battery is expected to offer a usable energy content of 58 kWh, which is six kilowatt-hours more than before. This means the smallest MEB battery will now have the same energy content as the original mid-sized version: the VW ID.3 Pro also launched with 58 kWh net (62 kWh gross).

In both Ford models, the range increases by up to 70 kilometres compared to the 52-kWh battery. The Explorer ‘Standard Range’ now achieves 444 kilometres under WLTP, while the slightly more aerodynamic Capri reaches 464 kilometres on a single charge—an increase of up to 17 per cent. “This extended range is comfortably beyond 400 km, an important milestone for many customers,” Ford writes. For comparison, the Explorer Standard Range previously achieved between 352 and 378 kilometres, depending on the configuration. The maximum charging power of the LFP batteries is 110 kW, with a standard charging session from 10 to 80 percent taking 28 minutes. While the LFP batteries remain under half an hour for charging, they do not quite match the performance of the old NMC battery, which could charge at up to 145 kW in 25 minutes.

Additionally, the previous 125 kW electric motor in this version is being replaced by a 140 kW unit. The maximum torque of 350 Nm suggests that the existing VW APP310 is being replaced by the new APP350. The increase in torque and power is designed to enable ‘quicker acceleration and a more dynamic driving experience.’ Specifically, both the Explorer and the Capri in their base versions can now accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.0 seconds—almost a second faster than before. The towing capacity for the Standard Range model is 1,200 kg.

“By upgrading the Explorer and Capri with new LFP battery technology, we are increasing range and durability while keeping it affordable for our customers. This is the definition of continuous improvement: using cutting-edge innovation to deliver a better, more capable product without compromise,” said Jon Williams, general manager, Ford Blue and Model e, Europe. “Adding up to 70k m of range to our affordable standard range offering will inspire even more drivers to make the switch to electric.”

There are no changes to the Extended-Range version of the Explorer and Capri: this continues to feature the 79-kWh battery from VW and the electric motor known as the APP550, with 210 kW of power. The Explorer’s range in this configuration is up to 602 kilometres under WLTP, while the Capri is rated at 627 kilometres. This battery also enables the 250 kW all-wheel-drive system and a towing capacity of up to 1.8 tonnes.

ford.com (Ford Europe), ford.com (Ford Germany), ford.com (Ford Austria)